A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that most people can produce neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in severe cases of COVID-19. These antibodies can be combined to block the virus from spreading, offering a promising approach for treatment and prevention, especially for vulnerable populations.
A genetic study found that increased Polynesian ancestry is linked to a higher risk of obesity, Type-2 diabetes, and heart failure in Native Hawaiians. The study suggests both genetic and lifestyle factors contribute to these disease risks.
A new analysis found that people under 20 are 43% as susceptible to COVID-19 infection as adults and less likely to spread the virus. This discovery could help inform public health policy and control measures.
Researchers created virtual reality 'doppelganger' avatars to train participants in public speaking, accelerating interpersonal skills learning. The study used AI-powered role models to enhance learning outcomes and improve communication skills.
A large-scale survey of over 80,000 adolescents reveals that non-school friendships are more strongly associated with deviant behaviors and alcohol use compared to in-school friendships. Participants with non-school friends also tended to be engaged with their schools and play central roles in their peer groups.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that whole egg consumption was positively associated with increased all-cause mortality, while egg whites or substitutes were negatively associated. Replacing half a whole egg with egg whites/substitutes reduced cardiovascular disease mortality by 3%.
A study in rural Kenya and Uganda found that offering universal access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) significantly reduced HIV incidence, particularly among women. The study suggests that providing broad access to PrEP alongside HIV testing and treatment could reduce new HIV infections in generalized epidemic settings.
A new machine-learning framework estimates actual COVID-19 infections in the US and 50 countries, revealing severe undercounting. The model suggests that cumulative numbers of actual cases are at least five times higher than confirmed cases in some countries.
Research by Cary Wu found that US counties with more social capital had significantly fewer COVID-19 infections and deaths. The study suggests a link between community cohesion and better public health outcomes during the pandemic.
Research suggests that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) early activities in North Carolina negatively impacted birth weights among babies born to immigrant parents. The study found a significant decrease in birth weight after the uptick in ICE activity.
A new root-knot nematode species has been discovered on grapevines in Yunnan province, China. The Meloidogyne vitis sp. nov. species is believed to seriously damage grape production, highlighting the need for further research and monitoring.
A 13-year analysis of wheat rust outbreaks in Ethiopia reveals long-term trends and hotspots, potentially leading to improved surveillance and control efforts. The study found a 'boom-and-bust' outbreak cycle due to genetic resistance breakdowns, emphasizing the importance of sustained pest management for food security.
Hiring professionals often feel compelled to discriminate against specific groups to ensure a 'good fit' with colleagues, according to research. Around 28% of clients make overt requests to avoid hiring from diverse backgrounds, revealing deep-seated biases in the hiring process.
Researchers have discovered a rare 'mud carapace' treatment on an Egyptian mummy, revealing the mummy and its coffin did not originally belong together. The analysis suggests the body is older than the coffin, with the mud carapace providing restorative and potentially elite funerary practices.
Participants in an international survey study reported greater willingness to share COVID-19 messages from a prominent expert versus a celebrity. The researchers found that endorsement by the celebrities was less likely to prompt willingness to share than endorsement by a government official, or no endorsement at all.
Researchers used game theory to optimize PPE stock management during the COVID-19 pandemic. They found that strategic allocation of resources can reduce shortages and improve public health outcomes.
A new analysis suggests that north-south differences in ticks' host choice, density, and host-seeking behaviors contribute to Lyme disease's prevalence. Southern ticks tend to select lizards as hosts, reducing the spread of Lyme disease-causing bacteria.
A new psychological model developed by researchers predicts which factors contribute to panic buying during times of crisis. The model, based on animal-foraging theory, suggests that households with higher income, children, and greater psychological distress are more likely to engage in over-purchasing behaviors.
The essay argues that politicization of biomedical science in the US led to a surge in cases and deaths, despite evidence-based safety measures. Dr. Hotez calls for a national response task force to combat anti-science activities and protect public health.
A study of over 2,700 women found that social support does not moderate the impact of stressful events on menopause symptoms. Women who experienced stressful events had a significant increase in symptoms, regardless of their level of social support.
Researchers found that nitisinone is toxic to tsetse flies but harmless to pollinator insects. The study suggests using the approved drug as an eco-friendly strategy to control trypanosomiasis transmission.
A study published in PLOS ONE finds that the tech elite hold a unique set of views, prioritizing meritocracy and progress over traditional notions of democracy. Their philanthropic statements often emphasize education, work, and social impact.
A global analysis of antibiotic combination use reveals that 80% of commonly prescribed combinations are not recommended by the WHO. The study found that these inappropriate combinations can lead to inefficacy, toxicity, and selection for antimicrobial resistance.
A staggering number of over 34,000 street cattle roam the Indian city of Raipur, with one animal present for every 54 human residents. This high cattle population poses significant risks for road accidents and exacerbates human-cattle conflicts in urban areas.
Researchers analyzed over 5,000 bronze objects from Central European hoards and found that around 70% of rings had similar weights, suggesting a standardized currency system. This discovery indicates the earliest development of commodity money in prehistoric Europe.
A delayed rainy season onset can signal a higher likelihood of seasonal drought and food insecurity in regions prone to these conditions. Analysis reveals that a 10-day delay is associated with a significantly higher risk of drought in the most vulnerable areas.
Female Bengalese finches exhibit a lifelong preference for their father's song compared to other birds. In contrast, male finches lose this preference as they mature, suggesting sex-specific differences in vocal learning and preference.
A novel family of enzymes in butterflies produces (E)-beta-ocimene as an anti-aphrodisiac pheromone, similar to a floral attractant found in many flower scents. This independent evolutionary process highlights the convergent evolution of chemical signals across kingdoms.
A study by Dmitry Gordenin and colleagues found that genomic DNA changes in skin cells accumulate over time, with the amount of damage caused by UV light unrelated to age. Black individuals exhibited less UV damage compared to white donors, possibly due to higher melanin levels.
Researchers developed a versatile antibody test to detect IgG and IgM antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, detecting asymptomatic cases and finding suitable blood samples for therapies. The study offers a powerful tool for controlling the pandemic, with approximately 80% of donor blood samples being potentially suitable.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that males are more susceptible to severe illness and death from COVID-19, with higher rates of hospitalization and mechanical ventilation. The authors analyzed data from a large US metropolitan area and found a strong association between male sex and poor outcomes.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that more than half of US university students experienced high levels of psychological impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, which surveyed 2,534 students across seven US universities, identified risk factors such as gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and health conditions.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found a significant inverse association between physical activity and the occurrence of cardiovascular disease, with participants in highest quartiles showing substantial risk reduction. The study used data from 90,211 UK Biobank participants and found no threshold for this association.
Researchers found thousands of Wuhan residents infected with asymptomatic COVID-19 cases after initial control measures. The study suggests a large number of asymptomatic carriers existed after reported cases were eliminated.
A new study suggests that shortening the COVID-19 infectious period by half a day could avert up to 1.4 million cases and over 99,000 hospitalizations, saving $209.5 billion in direct medical costs. Expanding treatment to 75% of infected individuals could avert 29.7 million cases and save $856 billion.
A UK survey conducted before and during the pandemic reveals that women and ethnic minorities experienced a significant increase in average mental distress, with BAME men experiencing a greater average increase than White British men. The study suggests that the pandemic may have particularly affected the mental wellbeing of these groups.
The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus has been shown to transmit the Zika virus and trigger large outbreaks in a simulated environment. However, experimental studies suggest that the mosquito's infection rate is low, making it unlikely to cause major Zika virus epidemics.
A novel virtual screening strategy identified pralatrexate as a promising treatment for Covid-19. Lab experiments showed that the chemotherapy medication inhibited viral replication more effectively than remdesivir.
Researchers discover new mutations in malaria parasite that enhance resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, a key preventive drug. These mutations are already widespread in Africa and Asia, threatening efforts to use the drug to prevent malaria in vulnerable groups.
Researchers identified traditional Ghanaian medicines that work in the lab against schistosomiasis, onchocerciasis, and lymphatic filariasis. Eight extracts showed good activity against these diseases, as well as trypanosomes, which cause other human diseases.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that mosquitoes feeding on blood multiple times increase malaria transmission potential, shortening the incubation period and making disease control more challenging. The research suggests that younger mosquitoes with reduced reproductive ability may contribute to infection, undermining curre...
A massive paleo-tsunami struck near ancient Tel Dor between 9,910 to 9,290 years ago, erasing evidence of low-lying coastal villages in the area. The tsunami deposit was discovered through underwater excavation and modeling, with estimated wave heights ranging from 16 to 40 meters.
Researchers used VR simulations to study goalkeepers' ability to stop free kicks, finding that defensive walls can block their view and impair performance. The study suggests that VR simulations could be useful in other sports, such as soccer.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, children have difficulty reading emotions on masked faces, which can affect their social interactions. The study suggests that this inability may be more pronounced in everyday life.
Researchers studied a 40-year-old bunchgrass prairie in Montana and found that climate change is altering the ecosystem. Annual aboveground primary production increased by 110%, but plant composition changed with a 108% increase in invasive species, while dicot non-grass plants decreased by 65%.
Researchers analyzed weekly smallpox mortality records from 1664 to 1930 to identify historical events influencing disease dynamics. They found that introduction of better control measures, especially vaccination, led to decreased mortality and eventual eradication.
A Convoluted Neural Network was trained on a library of mosquito images to classify species, sex, and strain. The system achieved 99.96% prediction accuracy for class identification.
A new analysis of 2018 studies found that 13.4% of publications disclosed food industry involvement, leading to research findings nearly six times more favorable to industry interests. This study highlights the potential for industry bias in nutrition research and calls for exploring mechanisms to prevent such compromises.
A recent study found that almost 25% of US respondents experienced economic hardships early in the COVID-19 pandemic, with Hispanic respondents being disproportionately affected. The survey also revealed significant financial struggles among young adults and those without a college education.
Researchers have discovered that corals can acquire their symbiotic algae from the fecal pellets of giant clams. This finding suggests a novel route for the transportation of Symbiodiniaceae to corals, which could have significant implications for our understanding of coral-algae interactions.